Football: Deane delivers

PHILOSOPHERS have long pondered the outcome of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. The conundrum was mirrored when the resistible force of the Leeds attack met the decidedly movable object that is the Spurs defence.

A draw, while not inevitable, was a reasonable reflection. Spurs at times showed panache and at other times abject panic. Leeds busied their way into the box and the vast majority of play was in the visitors' half. On another day Leeds could have celebrated a hatful of goals; and while that intensity of pressure is bound to create chances, Leeds did not convert them with due regularity.

Both sides would have benefited from the outlet of a genuine wide man. Gary McAllister, as always, took the sting out of the midfield heat, but there was precious little poise.

The Romanian Ilie Dumitrescu came out for the second half a good 10 minutes early, confused by the referee's instructions according to his manager. He was evidently still in adrenalin-overdrive after his midweek international efforts. He created the opener, shimmying into space inside the Leeds box and blasting a shot at John Lukic, who parried back to him. Dumitrescu then coolly slid the ball to Teddy Sheringham, who clinically fired into the top corner.

The goal sparked Leeds into life and Ian Walker, the Tottenham goalkeeper, was subjected to a barrage of three quick-fire attacks. Until then, Spurs had shown some poise and comfort in possession, with Leeds sitting off their midfield and relying on the counter- attack.

Gary Speed wasted the best chance of a first-half equaliser, directing a flying header straight at the excellent Walker seconds before the interval. Two early second-half scares again spurred the home side and they levelled in the 61st minute when McAllister cleverly switched play to find Dorigo breaking into space. His cross was half-blocked and Gary Speed volleyed across the area, finding Brian Deane at the far post to display the kind of touch he more often reserves for approach play.

Spurs had little in reserve, Jurgen Klinsmann and Nick Barmby dropping deeper for possession. The Leeds barrage continued, a succession of mis- directed shots and more top- quality saves from Walker.

Ossie Ardiles was the happier of the two managers, pleased his side had not melted under Leeds' pressure and he was not too distressed that Dumitrescu had missed his half-time chat. 'He doesn't understand it anyway,' Ardiles said.